Depending on their roles at UC Merced, staff and faculty have varying reporting responsibilities and may not be in a position to maintain confidentiality when misconduct is reported to them. In order to make informed choices, one should be aware of confidentiality and mandatory reporting requirements when consulting campus resources.
Confidential resources exist in order to provide a safe space for individuals to discuss their options, learn about resources, and discuss concerns before deciding to take next steps. With few exceptions (including imminent risk of harm or danger), confidential resources cannot share information without expressed written consent. When you discuss a concern with one of the confidential resource offices below, the information you share is not considered an official report to the University and no action will be taken by the University to address your concern.
Ombuds Office
The Ombuds is a place where UC Merced community members can go for assistance in resolving conflicts, disputes, or complaints on an informal basis. Visitors’ identities and the content of their conversations are always confidential, except in rare cases when the Ombuds determines there is a risk of imminent harm to self or others. Contacting the Office of Ombuds does not put UC Merced on formal notice of your concerns.
Phone: (209) 228-4410 / Located in the UC Merced Student Services Building, Room 211
INSIGHT Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
INSIGHT offers employees and their household dependents 3 counseling sessions every 6 months with a licensed professional to assist with work/life concerns.
Email: insighteap@insighteap.com / Phone: (800) 422-5322
CARE Office
Provides free and confidential assistance for all UC Merced affiliates who are affected by gender-based violence, including relationship violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking.
Email: ucmcare@ucmerced.edu / Phone (Campus Advocate): (209) 386-2051
UC Behavioral Health Benefits
UC’s medical coverage includes behavioral health benefits for mental health services and substance abuse treatment. Members can use their behavioral health benefits for sessions with counselors, psychologists, or psychiatrists.
UC Merced Counseling and Psychological Services
Provides free and confidential counseling services for all registered UC Merced students through individual, couple, and group formats, as well as crisis intervention. Walk-ins are welcomed.
Email: counseling@ucmerced.edu / 24-hour Hotline: 209-228-4266 / Located in the UC Merced H. Rajender Reddy Health Center
Confidentiality in Reporting Crimes
When reporting crimes to the police, individuals who are survivors (victims of crime) have rights to keep certain information confidential, including protecting victim and witness information in police, arrest and investigative reports. To learn more, seek assistance from the Campus CARE Advocate: (209) 386-2051.
